Let Governor Cuomo know that you support legislation carried by Senator Bill Perkins, in the form of Senate Bill 2419—which will make videotaped interrogations the official law of the land in New York State, by requiring the creation of an electronic record of an entire custodial interrogation in felony cases. Sign our peition here.

Let Governor Cuomo know that you support Senate Bill 2659. Convey your support for HALT-ing the tortuous and counterproductive practice of Solitary Confinement by signing our petition, which can be found here.

In early October, Senator Perkins delivered detailed testimony to the New York City Human Resources Administration relative to their proposed rulemaking on the City’s first ever Municipal ID Card Program.

Succinctly put, the Senator lauded HRA for the progress they have made in terms of implementing the enabling legislation, saying: “It is my earnest desire that this program is embraced by all, thrives in practice and serves as another substantial step in bringing individuals, families and whole immigrant communities out of a shadowy exile created and exacerbated by forces beyond their control.”

On Friday, September 26th, Senator Perkins joined hundreds of advocates, activists, and individuals—from the Washington Heights community and beyond—in the 14th Annual Brides’ Walk to raise awareness concerning the scourge of domestic violence. The Senator was proud to offer remarks in the loving memory of Gladys Ricart—a young lady who was murdered by a former abusive boyfriend in an atrocious act of domestic violence—on the day she was to be wed. Senator Perkins also looks forward to returning to Albany to advocate for and support comprehensive legislative measures that fully support and empower victims and deter this type of reprehensible conduct from ever happening in the first place.

Today, State Senator Bill Perkins (D/WF—Harlem) spoke at the 2014 Biennial Meeting of the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) about the urgent need for Universal, Single Payer HealthCare in New York State during a panel entitled “Single-Payer Healthcare for All: Registered Nurses Respond to the Call for Universal Healthcare in New York State and Nationwide.” The Senator’s remarks centered around legislation (Senate Bill 2078-A | Assembly Bill 5389-A) that he carries, along with longstanding Assembly Health Committee Chair, and unstinting Universal, Single Payer HealthCare advocate, Dick Gottfried—called New York Health.

Highlights of the Senator’s remarks follow; the entire speech is attached to this blog entry.

On June 24th, in the wake of news that New York City has finally settled with the Central Park Five, Senator Bill Perkins wrote an open letter to Governor Cuomo calling for his immedate and active partnership to pass Senate Bill 1267—legislation he carries that requires the videotaping of entire interrogations in all felony investigations.

As you may already know on Saturday, May 11, 2013 we will be paying tribute to our hero, brother and friend Elombe Brath. Saturday's program is rich with expressions of love from many who know him and have shared experiences with him over the years. your feedback has been tremendous and we anticipate a great turnout.

Some of you who are unable to make it have already contacted us with messages for Elombe in your absence. In recognition of the many who would like to send a message to Elombe or share a thought about all of the many contributions he has made I have dedicated this page on my website. The page will remain up and will be printed and given to Elombe and his family.

On April 8th, 2013, Senator Perkins attended a co-location hearing for the Harlem Success Charter School on PS 185/208 premises. The hearing was devoid of parental involvement; parents, in protest of the disrespect and disenfranchisement that the charter school hearing process has afforded them, refused to attend. Below is Senator Perkins' open letter to the New York City Chancellor of Education, demanding an end to meaningless public school hearings. It is time to acknowledge the cruciality of parental involvement in our children's education, and demand that parents are heard and heeded, and that their privacy is respected.